Frame construction for door latches



Dec. 31, 1963 M. E. WILLIAMS FRAME CONSTRUCTION FOR DOOR LATCHES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 15, 1962 FIG.

MURRAY E. WILLIAMS" INVENTOR.

Dec. 31, 1963 M. E. WILLIAMS FRAME CONSTRUCTION FOR DOOR LATfiHES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 15, 1962 5Q WILLIAMS MURRAY IN V EN TOR.

United States Patent 3,116,080 FRAME CUNSTRUCTIUN FUR DODR LATCHES Murray E. Wiiiiams, Grand Rapids, Mich, assignor t0 Dexter Industries, llnc., Grand Rapids, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Filed fan. 15, 1962, er. No. 166,235 6 Claims. (Cl. 292-1) This invention relates to the construction of door latches, and particularly to the interconnection of the elements constituting the frame of a so-called cylindrical latch. It is always desirable to maintain a high degree of rigidity in latch frames, and a minimum of tolerance accumulation. These operating objectives are only a part of the total objective, however. The device must be assembled economically, and with a minimum possibility of distortion as a result of the assembly procedure.

This invention utilizes a snap-in arrangement in which the frame components interengage positively without the use of fastenings, crimping, or other securing. The economy of such a system is obvious, and the rigidity and precision of alignment is noteworthy. The components of the invention have been designed with reference to a particular assembly technique which has proven to be easily controlled in the manufacturing of the devices.

The several features of the invention will be analyzed in further detail through a discussion of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 presents a perspective view of an assembled frame of a cylindrical latch mechanism which incorporates this invention.

FIGURE 2 presents a side elevation, partially in section, showing a stage in the assembly of the frame of the device shown in FIGURE 1, and illustrating the use of an assembly fixture.

FIGURE 3 presents a perspective view showing a further stage in the assembly of the device illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 presents a perspective view showing a modified form of the resilient member interconnecting the opposite sides of the frame.

Referring particularly to FIGURE 1, the illustrated cylindrical latch mechanism framework includes the opposite knob-supporting members and 11. These members are respectively provided with bearing portions as indicated at 12 and 13 for rotatively supporting the knobs sleeves 14 and 15. Cylindrical portions shown respectively at 16 and 17 extend from the bearing portions to flanges 18 and 19 disposed in planes perpendicular to the axis of the coaxial bearings 12 and 13. The plates 20 and 21 are preferably disposed directly against the flanges 18 and 19, respectively, and may serve any one or more of several functions associated with the framework of latch mechanism. Certain functions of which the plates 20 and 21 are capable are shown, described and claimed in the application of Murray E. Williams, filed on August 8, 1960, Serial Number 47,983.

The frame arrangement shown in FIGURE 1 may be considered as two groups of similar assemblies at the axially opposite sides, each of these assemblies including a knob-supporting member as shown at 10, and a plate as shown at 20. The two groups are interconnected by the connecting member 2. This U-shaped member is provided with the opposite coupling portions 23 and 24 for engaging diametrically opposite portions of each of the frame groups referred to above.

The peripheral contour of the flanges 18 and 19 and the plates 20 and 21 form axial projections of each other. All of these components are provided with diametrically- "ice opposite projecting portions as shown at 25 and 26 (with regard to the flange 18). At the opposite sides of each of these projecting portions, shoulders as identified at 27 and 28 are provided in preferably co-planar relationship. At the opposite sides of the shoulders from the central projections 25, abutments as indicated at 29 and 30 are incorporated in each of the components. At the diametrically opposite side, shoulders 31 are provided with abutments 32, and a similar arrangement on the opposite side of the projection 26. The coupling portion 23 of the connecting member 22 has a pair of similarly-facing hooks 33 and 34 having a gap just sufiicient to embrace the thickness of the flange 18 together with that of the plate 20. The opening between the hook 33 and the hook 34 is suflicient to axially admit the projection 25; and at the same time, the hook 34 will pass between the abutment 30 and the projection 25. These same conditions are repeated at the diametrically opposite side of the flange 18 and the plate 20, and also at the opposite side of the latch mechanism. After the flange 18 and the plate 20 have been thus engaged with the coupling portions 23 and 24 (with the connecting member 22 deflected outwardly as shown in FIGURE 2) the deflection forces may be released to permit the hook 33 to snap down into engagement with the shoulder 27. When the connecting member 22 is deflected as shown in FIGURE 3, the assembly is capable of a lateral movement of the projections 25 to engage the hooks. After the book 33 drops downwardly onto the shoulder 27, no subsequent relative lateral movement is possible, since the hook is substantially co-extensive with the shoulder 27. This same lateral movement will also engage the hook 34, and it will be noted that the outward deflection required to permit this assembly is only that which is suflicient for the coupling portion 23 to clear the top of the abutment 29. It is not necessary to open the device sufficiently for the hook 34 to clear the top of the abutment 30. The resilience of the connecting member 22 is provided by the U-shaped configuration in which the resilient back 35 functions somewhat in the manner of a leaf spring. The proximity of the hook 34 to the back 35 limits the amount of movement of that portion of the device, and an important feature of the invention is the arrangement which makes it unnecessary to deflect the connecting member sufficiently to pass over the top of the abutment 30. In the modified form of the invention shown in FIGURE 4, the hook portions 36 and 3'7 are repeated at four positions on the connecting member, but face each other rather than extend in the same direction, as shown in FIGURE 3. In this arrangement, the entrance of the projections corresponding to the projection 25 in the opening 38 must be under such conditions that the coupling member must come down over the projections rather than engage them in a purely axial and lateral movement. Under most conditions, this places a considerably greater demand upon the resiliency of the connecting member. The back portion 39 would therefore normally have to be of somewhat thinner stock, or the coupling portions 40 and 41 might actively participitate in the deflection.

The technique for assembling the mechanism described above is best shown by a comparison of FIGURES 2 and 3. A U-shaped fixture 42 is provided with a slot 43 in one leg for receiving the pins 44 and 45 of the alignment device 461. The purpose of this device is to extend the pins through the openings as shown at 47 and 48 (see FIGURE 4), and maintain the position of the retractor springs 49 and 5@ during the assembly procedure. The retractor 51 is held in position with respect to the springs by the fixture, and the fixture also provides a means of positioning the assembly wedge 52. This appliance is essentially U-shaped in crosssection, and has parallel flanges 53 and 54 which are rounded at the outer extremity as shown at 55 for forced insertion between the coupling portions 23 and 24. As shown in FIGURE 2, the presence of the opposite legs of the assembly fixture 42 will permit the sub-assembly including the retractor, the springs, the connecting member 22, and the wedge member 52, to be slid downwardly (as shown in FIGURE 2), with the pins 44 and c5 riding in the slot 4-3. With the device thus far assembled in the condition shown in Fl URE 2, it is possible to engage the plates and flanges as previously described, and initiate the relative lateral movement which engages the hooks on the coupling portions 23 and 24. When this has been accomplished, the entire assembly may then be withdrawn from the assembly fixture 42. When the wedge member 521 is pulled out, the result will be to permit the coupling portions 23 mid '24 to snap into engagement with the shoulders 27 and 31. The alignment member 46 may then be pulled out, and the device is fully assembled. Disassembly may follow the reverse of this procedure.

The particular embodiments of the present invention which have been illustrated and discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only, and are not to be considered as a limitation upon the scope of the appended claims. In these claims, it is my intent to claim the entire invention disclosed herein, except as i am limited by the prior art.

I claim:

'1. A frame for a latch mechanism, said frame comprising: opposite and substantially coaxial knob-supporting sections, each of said sections including a bearing member having a flange disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said sections, and also including a plate adjacent and substantially parallel to said flange, said flange-s and plates each having \dimetrically disposed projecting portions and shoulders at the opposite sides thereof, and each also having an abutment at the opposite side of one of said shoulders from each. of said projecting portions, said projections and shoulders being in axial alignment; and a substantially U-shaped connecting member having opposite coupling portions provided with cut-out portions opening at each of the axially opposite ends thereof for axially receiving said projections associated with said knob-supporting sections, said cut-out portions each having a pair of similarly-facing hooks disposed to embrace a flange and plate on lateral movement thereof with respect to said connecting member, said connecting member also having a resilient portion extending between said coupling portions and normally biasing said coupling portions toward each other to generate a clamping action against said sections and urge said hooks against said shoulders, the hooks most remote from said resilient portion being adapted to occupy substantially the entire space between the abutment and projetci-on associated therewith.

2. A frame for a latch mechanism, said frame comprising: opposite and substantially coaxial knob-supporting sections, each of said sections including a bearing member having a flange disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said sections, and also including a plate adjacent and substantially parallel to said flange, said flanges and plates each having diametrically disposed projecting portions and shoulders at the opposite sides thereof, and

each also having an abutment at the opposite side of said shoulders from each of said projecting portions, said projections and shoulders being in axial alignment; and a substantially U-shaped connecting member having opposite coupling portions provided with cut-out portions opening at each of the axially opposite ends thereof for axially receiving said projections associated with said knob-supporting sections, said cut-out portions each having a pair of similarly-facing hooks disposed to embrace a flange and plate on lateral movement thereof with respect to said connecting member, said connecting member also having a resilient portion extending between said coupling portions and normally biasing said coupling portions toward each other to generate a clamping action against said sections and urge said hooks against said shoulders.

3. A frame for a latch mechanism, said frame comprising: opposite and substantially coaxial knob-supporting sections each having a flange disposed in a plane perpen dicular to the axis of said sections, said flanges eachhaving diametrically disposed projecting portions andshoulders at the opposite sides thereof, andeach also having an abutment at the opposite side of said shoulders from each of said projecting portions, said projections and shoulders being in axial alignment; and a substantially U-shaped connecting member having opposite co ing portions provided with cut-out portions opening at e, h of the axially opposite ends thereof for axially receiving said projections associated with said knob supporting sections, said cut-out portions each havin a pair of similarly-facing hooks disposed to embrace said flange on lateral movement thereof with respect to said connecting member, said connecting member also having a resilient portion extending between said coupling portions and normally biasing said coupling portions toward each other to generate a clamping action against said sections and urge said llOOliS against said shoulders, the hooks mos-t remote from said resilient portion being adapted to occupy substan ally the entire space between the abutment and projection associated therer'vith- 4. A frame for a latch mechanism, said frame comprising: opposite and substantially coaxial knob-supporting sections each having a flange disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said sections, said flanges each having diametrically disposed projecting portions and shoulders at the opposite sides thereof, and each also having an abutment at the opposite side of said shoulders from each of said projecting portions, said projections and shoulders being in axial alignment; and a substantially U-shaped connecting member having opposite coupling portions provided with cut-out portions opening at each of the axially opposite ends thereof for axially receiving said projections associated with said knob-supporting sections, said cut-out portions each having a pair of similarly-facing hooks disposed to embrace said flange on lateral movement thereof with re spect to said connecting member, said connecting member also having a resilient portion extending between said coupling portions and normally biasing said coupling portions toward each other to generate a clamping action against said sections and urge said hooks against said shoulders, certain of said hooks being adapted to substantially occupy the distance between an abutment and the projection associated therewith.

5. A frame for a latch mechanism, said frame comprising: opposite and substantially coaxial knob-supporting sections each having a flange disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said sections, said flanges each having diametrically disposed projecting portions and shoulders at the opposite sides thereof, and each also having an abutment at the opposite side of said shoulders from each of said projecting portions, said projections and shoulders being in axial alignment; and a connecting member having opposite coupling portions provided with cut-out portions opening at each of the axially opposite ends thereof for axially receiving said projections associated with said knob-supporting sections, said cut-out portions each having a pair of similarly-facing hooks disposed to embrace said flange on lateral movement thereof with respect to said connecting member, said connecting member also having a resilient portion extending between said coupling portions and normally biasing said coupling portions toward each other to generate a clamping action against said sections and urge said hooks against said shoulders.

6. A frame for a latch mechanism, said frame com prising: opposite and substantially coaxial knob-support ing sections each having a flange disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said sections, each of said mounted in a first section, said first section having two spaced apart first side walls, a first roof joining said first side walls, an end wall at one end of said first section joining said first side walls and a first floor secured to said end wall and extending substantially the length of said first section, said first floor extending only part way across said first section and terminating short of said first side walls, said second section having two spaced apart second side walls, a second roof joining said second side walls, and a second floor extending substantially the length of said second section and joining said second side walls, said second section being slidably mounted in said first section with said second roof under said first roof, said second floor under said first floor, and said second side Walls inside said first side walls and extending through the spaces between said first floor and said first side walls, and first and second hinged floor sections hinged to said first floor, said first and second hinged fioor sections extending substantially the length of said first section, said first and second hinged floor sections being movable to a position wherein said hinged fioor sections occupy the spaces between said first floor and said first side walls when said first and second sections are nntelesc'oped.

2. A telescopic trailer according to claim 1 including two spaced apart third walls each extending upwardly from said first floor short of said second roof and being positioned between both said first and said second side walls, said third walls extending longitudinally of said first section.

3. A telescopic trailer according to claim 1 wherein said second section has an end wall joining said second side walls.

4. A telescopic trailer according to claim 1 including first shelves permanently positioned inside said second section and second shelves permanently positioned inside said first section.

5. A telescopic trailer according to claim 2 including a slidable partition housed between said third walls and movable into said second section between said second side walls when said first and second sections are untelescoped.

6. A telescopic trailer according to claim 2 including a false ceiling supported by said third walls and under said second roof, said false ceiling extending towards said first side walls and terminating short of said first side walls, said second side Walls extending through the spaces between said false ceiling and said first side walls when said first and second sections are telescoped.

7. A telescopic trailer according to claim 6 including first and second hinged false ceiling sections hinged to said false ceiling, said first and second hinged false ceiling sections being movable to a position wherein said hinged false ceiling sections occupy the spaces between said false ceiling and said first side Walls when said first and second sections are untelescoped.

8. A telescopic trailer according to claim 2 including shelves secured to said third walls and being positioned between said third side walls and said second side walls when said first and second sections are telescoped.

9. A telescopic trailer according to claim 5 including first shelves secured to the inside of said second side walls, second shelves secured to said third walls and being positioned between said third walls and said first shelves when said first and second sections are telescoped, and graphic means on both sides of said slidable partition and on the inside of said first side walls.

10. A telescopic trailer according to claim 9 wherein said second section has an end wall joining said second side walls and including shelves secured to the inside of said end wall of said second section.

11. A telescopic trailer according to claim 10 including a false ceiling supported by said third walls and under said second roof, said false ceiling extending towards said first side walls and terminating short of said first side Walls, said second side Walls extending through the spaces between said false ceiling and said first side walls when said first and second sections are telescoped, and including first and second hinged false ceiling sections hinged to said false ceiling, said first and second hinged false ceiling sections being movable to a position wherein said hinged false ceiling sections occupy the spaces between said false ceiling and said first side walls when said first and second sections are untelescoped.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 220,664 Rose Oct. 14, 1879 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,161,233 France Mar. 17, 1958 

6. A FRAME FOR A LATCH MECHANISM, SAID FRAME COMPRISING: OPPOSITE AND SUBSTANTIALLY COAXIAL KNOB-SUPPORTING SECTIONS EACH HAVING A FLANGE DISPOSED IN A PLANE PERPENDICULAR TO THE AXIS OF SAID SECTIONS, EACH OF SAID FLANGES HAVING OPPOSITE PROJECTING PORTIONS AND SHOULDERS AT THE OPPOSITE SIDES THEREOF, AND EACH ALSO HAVING AN ABUTMENT AT THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF AT LEAST ONE OF SAID SHOULDERS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH OF SAID PROJECTING PORTIONS, SAID PROJECTIONS AND SHOULDERS BEING IN AXIAL ALIGNMENT; AND A CONNECTING MEMBER HAVING OPPOSITE COUPLING PORTIONS PROVIDED WITH CUT-OUT PORTIONS OPENING AT EACH OF THE AXIALLY OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF FOR AXIALLY RECEIVING SAID PROJECTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID KNOB-SUPPORTING SECTIONS, SAID COUPLING PORTIONS EACH HAVING A PAIR OF HOOKS AT EACH CUT-OUT PORTION DISPOSED TO EMBRACE SAID FLANGE, SAID CONNECTING MEMBER ALSO HAVING A RESILIENT PORTION EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID COUPLING PORTIONS AND NORMALLY BIASING SAID COUPLING PORTIONS TOWARD EACH OTHER TO GENERATE A CLAMPING ACTION AGAINST SAID SECTIONS. 